Denver at Boston

We have the uptempo Denver against a strong (and improving) Boston defense today. So who controls the tempo? Denver runs at teams at home, but is less effective away as they are is just 11-15 on the road -- and this is a long road trip. The Denver offense is less effective against good teams, too, and the UNDER is 5-2 in the Nuggets last seven vs. a team with a winning record. The Celtics have not lost since Rajon Rondo went down with a season-ending knee injury and are coming off one of their most impressive performances of the season, shutting down the offensive minded Lakers and allowing just 95 points and 41% shooting. Avery Brady and Courtney Lee are getting more playing time in the backcourt because of Rondo's injuries and they are outstanding defensive players, though less skilled on offense. Boston has turned up the defense of late, now up to ninth in the NBA in points allowed. The UNDER is 9-4 in the Celtics last 13 home games and 9-3 UNDER the total against the Western Conference. And when these teams meet, the Celtics better dictate the tempo: the UNDER is 5-2 in the last seven meetings. Play the Nuggets/Celtics UNDER the total.